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The LGA is seeking feedback from members on local government reform ideas to inform a sector-wide submission to the State Government on the sensible and effective changes that are supported by the local government sector.

The Local Government Association welcomes the opportunity to partner with the South Australian Parliament to progress sensible and effective reform within local government. This is a pivotal time for the local government sector to work in collaboration with the State Government and the Parliament on meaningful reform that will deliver lasting benefits to the community and drive downward pressure on council rates.

The State Government’s reform program will focus on changes to the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 across four theme areas, being:

strong council member capacity and better conduct

efficient and transparent local government representation

lower costs and enhanced financial accountability, and

simpler regulation

The LGA has prepared a Discussion Paper, available here, to continue the reform discussion with member councils. The paper shares some preliminary reform ideas and seeks feedback from members on these ideas and other reform opportunities that members would like to see further explored. This is an opportunity for you to tell your Association what change you want to see, what that change should look like and what it should achieve for councils and communities.

Feedback on reform issues is requested by 5pm on Friday 26 April 2019 in order for your ideas to be considered by the LGA and form part of the Association’s initial response to the State Government. However, we appreciate that some councils may require additional time and we would gratefully accept your feedback at any stage as we will continue to submit ideas and issues to the Government and all members of Parliament throughout the entire reform process.

The Discussion Paper includes an indicative timeline for the reform process, including further consultation that will be undertaken by the LGA.